Architecture studio Society Particular has transformed the rooftop of the Hisense Plaza mall in Qingdao, China, with a striking new addition: Skybowl. This rooftop extension, featuring a glass hall and amphitheatre-style terrace, reinvigorates the connection between the city’s bustling retail space and its stunning waterfront views.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Location: Qingdao, China
Architecture: Society Particular
Photography: Ying Liu and Yong Gao
Originally approached to design a VIP lounge for the mall, Society Particular proposed a more ambitious vision. Rather than creating an exclusive area, the firm saw an opportunity to develop an inclusive, public space that would encourage greater engagement with the surrounding environment.
“Our primary objective was to craft a space where visitors from all walks of life could take in the magnificent views,” the studio explained. “The mall’s existing design was inward-looking, limiting the connection to the beautiful bay and the temperate climate of Qingdao.”
Society Particular’s Skybowl project is not just an architectural addition but a cultural asset for the city. The rooftop’s amphitheatre is a public stage, oriented towards Qingdao’s waterfront and offering a panoramic setting for performances and casual gatherings alike. Its circular stage is surrounded by staircases, which also serve as seating for the amphitheatre, inviting visitors to climb and take in the views.
Beneath this amphitheatre, guests are welcomed into a light-filled, semicircular glass hall. Visitors enter through the mall’s upper levels, where mirrored metal columns frame the space, giving it a futuristic yet inviting feel. Inside, a mezzanine provides a perfect spot to enjoy the view, while the area below the amphitheatre is flanked by a restaurant and lounge, opening onto terraces for outdoor dining.
The design, while visually impressive, is also functional. The hall and terrace are available for public access but can be reserved for private events, adding flexibility to the space without compromising its open-to-all ethos.
Society Particular’s design is as thoughtful in material choices as it is in aesthetics. The rooftop amphitheatre features seating made from recycled orange-brown EDPM rubber, with an underlay of TPU foam. This choice not only gives the seating a slightly bouncy, uplifting feel but also aligns with the firm’s commitment to sustainability. The seating’s height variations create small windows, allowing natural light to filter into the hall below.
The interior of the hall is crowned with a hyperbolic paraboloid ceiling, finished in a warm yellow hue, reflecting sunlight throughout the space and creating a dynamic, lively atmosphere.
One of the most significant aspects of Skybowl is its ability to reconnect the mall with the city’s natural landscape. By offering free public access to the rooftop, Society Particular has ensured that anyone visiting the Hisense Plaza mall can enjoy the amphitheatre and its views without spending a penny. At the same time, the VIP guests of the mall have a dedicated space beneath the amphitheatre in the glass hall, creating a harmonious balance between public and private use.
“The rooftop amphitheatre allows the public to climb high, enjoy the picturesque scenery, and witness public performances,” the studio said. “We aimed for an inclusive design that anyone can appreciate.”
Founded by Yong Cui in 2013, Society Particular has a reputation for creating spaces that are as functional as they are visually compelling. With offices in Rotterdam and Beijing, the studio’s work, including Skybowl, emphasizes the importance of integrating architecture into its surrounding environment and encouraging public engagement.
Other projects that explore stepped roof designs, similar to Skybowl, include The Pomelo Amphawa Cafe in Thailand and the BBT Hilltop burger restaurant in Kuwait. These designs share the ethos of creating spaces that are more than just functional—they become landmarks that enhance public interaction and offer new ways of experiencing their locations.
